Will Work For Fashion! Style Consultant Services

Growing up in Texas, every summer I would head to the coast where I would visit my aunt, go to the beach, eat Whataburger and not have a care in the world. My aunt, bless her, owned and operated her own beauty salon, where I would witness her tease and whip up hair like the devil. Think BIG TEXAS HAIR.

I've always enjoyed observing people, which made me interested in learning about different cultures and languages, and led me into my career as a journalist and private investigator. I feel at times I would make an excellent spy, but I'm too lazy. Ugh, who needs that type of pressure?

ARCHER - If you loved the TV series, Arrested Development, you will love Archer!

I have spent countless hours watching my aunt style all types of hair, and what I noticed most, wasn't what she did, but how she did it. It was all about balance and architecture.

Art is a science and science is an art, and one must hone their skills to master both.To explain further, I would like you to consider yourself as a work of art. Your clothing is the frame. Now, like humans, art is multi-faceted and comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles.

The French are world renowned for being stylish. (Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent) They seem to possess and project an effortless chicness. But, as with my aunt, it's not what they wear, but how they wear it.

Again, it's all about balance and architecture.

Balance meaning bringing balance to yourself. To do that, you simply have to be more active in the activities you enjoy doing that will benefit you health wise.

Architecture meaning your clothing must accentuate and showcase the piece de resistance! YOU!

I work as a tour guide, personal stylist, a belly dance and yoga teacher, and I teach English.Big Mama gotta eat!

When I lived in Las Vegas, I wanted to have a part time job for fun money. At the time, I worked the morning drive as a news and traffic reporter, meaning my shift started at 6am and finished at 1pm. I figured since I was already up, might as well seize the day, and like that, The Complete Package was born!

The Complete Package offered my style consultant services, where I would consult my clients on ensembles, colors, fit, and of course, balance and architecture. I was putting into practice the countless hours of observation of the HOW, and I was greatly rewarded for it.Honestly, I LOVED IT! To me, it was like playing dress-up with my very own human dolls, which I admit sounds a little creepy, but it was a gas!

How you make others feel about themselves is telling of you.This was part of my childhood conditioning, and what I observed countless times growing up.My aunt, like a fairy god mother, had the ability to make women feel like Cinderella heading forth to the ball! It is a priceless feeling, shared by both the giver and the receiver.

Your style should reflect what you love. Remarks about my style have been well received by my fellow French fashionistas, because they would know! French fashion will always intrigue the world, it's their signature style!

Living in France can be challenging. The observer in me drinks in all of the glorious experiences, both positive and negative. There were days that I have come home crying and wanting to commit arson, but c'est la vie. With my annoying Amer-I-CAN do attitude, I've decided to relaunch my style consultant services because making others happy makes me happy. It's contagious and I like the idea of being Typhoid Merry!After cheekily hiring myself for my friends, one of them (Bless you, Kim M) prodded me to continue consulting. So, voila!

My clients, like art, come in all shapes and sizes. Now, now, I couldn't possibly give all my little secrets away, a girl has to have some mystery, but I will drop some Missy Elliott wisdom on ya.LAAAADDDDIIIIIEEESSSSSS!!!! Is it worth it? Let me work it, put my thing down, flip it and reserve it. And honey, child, I couldn't have said it better myself, because that's essentially my job!

Is it worth is? Yes, because happiness is contagious.Then, let me work it. Put my thang down, flip it, and reserve it -- Just book me!I'm only an email away.

FREE TIP: Shop in your closet, and put together new outfit ensembles, use your accessories for balance and architecture, and showcase your silhouette!

This is a process, which can be emotional and tiring, but so is creating a masterpiece of art, and please remember that is exactly what you are.

REMEMBER: You have to work with what you got, but the beauty of impeccable style is HOW it is worn, and not WHAT is worn! You also have to consider your hometown climate and dress pragmatically. Bordeaux is a humid climate and chilly, especially for a Southern Texas-Vegas girl, but style is timeless, and appreciated world-wide, it is a mult-billion dollar industry after all!

ABOUT ME: I am petite hourglass, which is a nice way to say I'm short and stocked well in the girlie department. I would love to wear these long slinky dresses, but my architecture says PUH.LEESE! I have to work with what I got, and create the illusion of long lines to make me look taller. It's like how an artist paints a 3D image on a flat surface that gives you the illusion of depth through perfect placement, it's the science of art, and can be done, obviously, it just takes an observant eye and practice of manipulation! Mwah, ha ha! (Manipulation is multi-faceted!)

I recently worked with two clients in a space of one week. They had nothing but glowing reviews and I feel came away with a different perspective on how to create their personal style.Notice the architecture, fit and how to accentuate the feminine form.

Where to start? In your closet! Shop your closet! You have a mound of clothing accumulated that you never wear, and why is that? Not the right occasion? PUH.LEESE.Take the time to do this. You will be amazed at all the items you have and love, so why not wear them! My first consultation always begins here. We hack away at the inessentials and get rid of outdated pieces.

FREE TIP: Throw out any textiles/fabrics/clothing that resembles upholstery, you are not a couch or a window treatment or table cloth!

Then create architecture outlining your bust, waist and hips to accentuate them.This is what I mean by showcasing your silhouette.Match ensembles that will serve and easily transition from day wear to evening wear.Top off by reapplying lipstick, a spritz of your favorite perfume and do something with that hair! You'd be comfortable, yet effortlessly stylish, which translates to a feeling of luxury because isn't it just that?!

REMEMBER: Style is a Complete Package of love, balance and architecture, inside and out. Your personal style should reflect what you love, therefore do more of the activities that will bring you joy and happiness. Find balance, hack away at the inessentials and focus on the main priority, which is you. You cannot give to others what you do not nourish in yourself. Architecture, build upon your strengths and accentuate your feminine (and for my gentlemen, their masculine) form to project your masterpiece! This is how you create your signature style.

Blending in with the Natives!

Hello everyone!Earlier this month, Frenchified Fun Tours kicked off with a shimmy shimmy bang bang!Being a tour guide is much like being a Texas wrangler. It's about all about leading the entire group safely home before the dinner bell!

Now that tourist season is upon us, I want to tempt you to visit beautiful Bordeaux.

My first client of the season was a beautiful American woman who loves Roman architecture and Celtic lore. So, with my savior faire, I created a personalized tour.

Her response? "Ahhhhhhh, Wow!" and "We're right in the midst of it!"-- Ms BIt was the proof that Big Mama had done good.

Frenchified Fun Tours are specifically designed to spoil you.This is how it works -- you book me and let me know what you enjoy doing.Be it visiting museums, taking a cooking class, shopping, wine, you name it, and I'll use all my god-given talents to make it an experience you shall never forget.

In previous posts, I have written that I LOVE spoiling my friends. I love cooking for them, hosting parties, organizing outings and lunches, it is a real pleasure for me to provide happiness, even if it is only for a few hours -- and I feel my Frenchified Fun Tours is just another extension of that.

"You should charge more." Ms B.

Bless you Ms B.When my client told me this, I didn't know what to say. I charge 20€ for 1.5 - 2 hours.Was I undervaluing myself? If I charge too much, would I have any clients?Instead, I have decided not to worry so much about the money, I want us both to have a good time. Besides, experiences are priceless, and my goal is that you will always remember the exact moment you fell in love with Bordeaux, and to a certain extent, with me too!

It's a win-win situation, I feel. And yes, I do graciously accept tips: be it an extra few bills, a bottle of wine, or a fabulous little lunch! To book YOUR personalized tour, click on over on the CONTACT page and shoot me an email. Let's discover something new together.

FIVE reasons to visit Bordeaux

1. The Franco-American connection: Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were huge Bordeaux fans. Excerpts from their respective diaries recount their love of the Aquitaine region.In fact, Mr Jefferson use to compare his friends and colleagues to wine, and I believe to this day, his estate, Monticello, produces it's own vintage.

US representation in Bordeaux dates from March 1778 when France formally recognized the independence of the thirteen colonies on February 6, 1778. The Continental Congress appointed John Bondfield as a commercial agent. This was the first known American diplomatic station in the world. In 1784, Benjamin Franklin sailed back to America from Paris and Thomas Jefferson was commissioned as Minister of the United States to France.

In 1790, President George Washington commissioned Joseph Fenwick of Maryland as the first American consul to Bordeaux. The “Fenwick House”, built by Victor Louis, and the architect of the Grand Theatre, still stands along the quayside.

March in France: Fun Facts

Hello everyone!March 2017 is here and spring is right around the corner!

It's a time for shaking and shimmying off the winter blues, a time to feel refreshed and to get ready for the warm times ahead. Let nature be your guide.

I hope you will take this time to strengthen and nourish yourselves well, so you can grow strong under the Sun and operate at your highest potential.

Spring is also the perfect time for planting! Have you thought about growing an indoor herb garden? Well, you should!! My many attempts have lead to many fragrant and filling meals, but sadly, my belief in me having a green thumb, died, along with all of the plants.

At this time, I am in full swing, work wise. My life resembles the old 80s game Frogger (Ha! how appropriate! The French are known as frogs!) I'm hopping around the city streets trying not to be hit by cars passing by.

I work as an English, belly dance and yoga teacher, a personal stylist, and I also am a tour guide. Big Mama gotta eat!

I also have a semi-active social life. I would go crazy if it were not for Girlie Time! My friends, who graciously accept my Texas-Vegas ways, (Bless them!) are my lifeline.

We are all busy, yes, and like many of you, I wear many hats and some days are just harder than others. Now take that to the next level - you are living in a foreign country.Life as an immigrant is hard, like identity crisis hard. Miscommunication and misunderstandings are my daily, it's enough to make you want to scream and hide out in caves, forever. Alas...

March is when Spring officially arrives and the city seems a lot more active despite the wacky weather. The seasons are in transition, and that is why today's weather went from stormy, windy, and cold to warm, sunny blue skies, in less than three hours.

Today's post is about some French fun facts and some March history and happenings.Total read time: 7 minutes

Why are the French known as frogs?I did some research and the best I can come up with is that the French are known for eating frog legs. But, I read somewhere after hours of research, so of course I don't remember nor do I have the desire to relook it up, it was the British who first ate frog legs.I also learned that many cultures haven partaken in the dish, including Asian and Aztec.

Another reason for the term was during the war, American GIs noted how French Resistance fighters would crouch down, like frogs, and could camouflage themselves perfectly to their surroundings.

I also discovered Parisians were known as frogs. The topography of Paris and Versailles are essentially swamp/marshlands, so naturally frogs would gather and croak about the watering hole. It's a perfect analogy. But again, it always comes back to eating frog's legs.Have I had the pleasure? No, it is not something I would order, but I would try if offered. It's never been offered, so yay for small miracles. My husband has eaten it maybe three times in our decade together, if he did offer, I probably blocked it out of my memory.

Before moving on, let us not forget the old adage, one must kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.If the French are called frogs, does that really mean kiss a French person? Hmmmmm...Now, now, I do not speak for all French men out there, but I say, go on a kiss a Frenchie, or French kiss a Frenchie (by the way a French kiss is just a kiss in French!) maybe he'll turn into your prince! Couldn't hurt to try?! I did. And viola! Here I am.

My first client of the season was a fabulous American woman and her dream baby who stole my heart due to her pooping abilities! Straight shot up her back, the poor dear, but wow, impressive!Good times, the weather was wacky, but despite the conditions we walked to Palais Gallien,my favorite spot in Bordeaux. It is an old Roman amphitheater hidden with the city.

We talked about the upstart restaurants and businesses, how Bordeaux is becoming more cosmopolitan and about the new wine museum, all this said and done while pushing a stroller and diverting construction work, cars, cyclists, motorcycles, scooters, blocked walkways and the weather. ((The cave is sounding more appealing.))

Nonetheless, you should come on down and visit! Bordeaux is a city where you will be tickled pink!Mostly because you'll be a little drunk on wine and happy, so let's do that together!!

If you would like to book a tour, click on the contact page. I'm only an email away!

Carnaval des 2 Rives, 2011

5 - Carnaval des 2 RivesFrench kiddos go back to school after a two week winter break on Monday, March 6. So why not have a carnival-parade?! And that is exactly what we do! This parade route has been ongoing since 1996 and French families come to gather along the parade group to partake in the festivities! The kids are dressed up in costumes and there is an overall festive vibe, despite varying weather conditions!

8 - International Women's DayThis day celebrates women’s achievements throughout the world and to promote women’s equality, encourage support for repressed women and promote appreciation toward women everywhere.International Women's Day was initially promoted by the Socialist Party of America. In 1909, it designated this day in remembrance of a major strike by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union. The holiday is now recognized internationally and is an Official National Holiday for many countries, including: China, Russia and Ukraine.

17 - St Patrick's DayWear green! St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of Irish pride and heritage. The British-born priest and former slave, St. Patrick, who is known for converting the Irish to Christianity and chasing the snakes out of the country. He died March 17, 461. Centuries later he was honored with the title of Patron Saint of Ireland. St. Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the people. The leaves stood for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is traditional to wear the shamrock on St. Patrick's Day. Most people wear green and in cities in the United States with a heavy Irish influence, such as Boston and New York, host parades and the pubs world-wide are lifting their pints in his honor. Sláinte! However, perhaps it is good to remember that St. Patrick was said to have been a humble and brave man.A four leaf clover is said to be lucky and rare. I read that the odds of finding one is 1 in 10,000! Good luck!Speaking of good luck - my sweet friend Tracey F., a beautiful Irish girl, says 'good luck' instead of goodbye. I find it so sweet and endearing and magical -- it's the luck of the Irish!

In the fall, I picked up a brooch at a local second hand shop for a few coins. It's a four leaf clover.I literally wear luck on my shoulder, and honey child, I need it!! Remember, my reproach on my daily miscommunications? The brooch use to have a pearl stone center, but that is now long gone, and to fill the void, I used glitter nail polish for extra sparkle.

20 - Spring Equinox - Spring time in Bordeaux! Northern HemisphereThere are two equinoxes every year – in March and September – the Sun shines directly on the equator and the length of night and day are nearly equal.This is a great time to bring more balance into your own life. Again, allow nature to be your guide. Do some balancing exercises like yoga or incorporate a body weight exercise routine, like squats or burpees for example. Meditate. Take your dog on a nature walk at the nearest park.Or park it at some terrace café, order something, and bask in the Spring sun.It's also a good day to do some Spring cleaning and decluttering, and a time to strengthen relationships, personal and business wise too.

Find your balance, the Earth has. And you are an Earthling, after all!

26 - Daylight Savings Time (France)On this side of the planet, we will lose an hour, but we must Spring forward!

I enjoy the pleasure of being social, seeing friends, and catching up with my fellow humans who I may have not seen in months. We eat, we chat, we drink, we laugh... it's a party, you get the idea.

When I feel good, and I'm talking about those warm and fuzzy feelings you get from being around your peeps, I do not notice the amount of food or wine I may have consumed. I'm having a good time, I'm laughing, someone pours me another... there's more laughing, and just like that, the party is in full swing! But fast forward two and a half hours... and suddenly I'm the asshole who passes out.

What do you expect? It's a party! I truly believe that if something doesn't get broken, be it a glass or an arm, well, honey that's not a party! By the way, someone broke his arm at my 40th birthday party, one of my friend's kids fell off the swing, the poor dear. But just because I believe that, doesn't mean everyone else does, I acknowledge that, however that being said, sadly, we all know civilization, at times, is anything but civilized.

Everyone has, at one point in their life, drank a little bit too much, may have said something that was uncouth, or lost control of their bodily functions, It's cool, though. It happens. And if this hasn't happened to you, well, just give it time. Just take care of yourselves, always. Everyone of us can get caught up in the moment, we can lose track of time, we can even lose track of ourselves, or worse, we can derail. It's difficult to stop a speeding train.

Since moving overseas to Bacchus-ville, my wine intake has increased. It's only natural to enjoy the fruits of my region! Bordeaux is wine country and we have been making it since time immemorial.But now, I have decided to slow my roll. The reason? It's because my body told me to.

In one of my previous posts, I wrote that I am in tune with my body. It is one of the many, many benefits of my weight loss.

I have learned to actively listen and scan my body for signs of tightness, irritability, any discomfort really, and then do the appropriate exercise to make myself feel better. It's my very own checks and balances system. In other words, I'm checking myself, before I wreck myself.But when I partake in wine, my checks and balances system short circuits, there's sparks and smoke, and Heeeere'szz Drunkie!

Click on over to the About page and read up on some current happenings and check out some of the new photos of my Frenchified life. Have a question? Want to comment? Would you like to book me? Well, on you go and Ask Jenny!I'm only an email away.

Frenchified for Life

is a fabulous little lifestyle blog about truly embracing French life!

​My intent is to simply inspire you to create something unique and beautiful in your everyday life. The French have this wonderful and annoying habit of seeing the world through rose colored glasses, might as well learn something from them!

That said, I lift my glass to you!

Book a tour of Bordeaux with Jen.

Ask Jen any question.

Personal Style Services

By the way, I mention the name Cachou (or The Cash) a lot, I'm referring to her...